Celebrate VIU grads
Convocation is a time for the university community to come together and celebrate the success of our graduating students.
This site contains all the information for guests, students and employees. This page has all the information for guests. The site will be updated as more information is available for 2026 convocation ceremonies.
Convocation and Semelshun Indigenous Graduation Recognition Ceremony
Ceremony dates and times are now available:
Monday, June 8, 2026
Morning ceremony: 10 am
- Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation
- Faculty of Education
Afternoon ceremony: 2:30 pm
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Morning ceremony: 10 am
- Faculty of Management
- Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology
Afternoon ceremony: 2:30 pm
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Human Services
Semélshun Indigenous Graduation Recognition Ceremony
- Thursday, June 11, 2026, time TBC
Ceremonies take place in the gym at VIU's Nanaimo campus.
Information for guests
Tickets
Graduating students request tickets when they submit their application to graduate. Please ensure your graduate gives you your tickets as we can't admit anyone without a ticket. Every guest, including infants, must have a ticket.
Venue and ceremony details
The ceremonies are in the gym at our Nanaimo campus. The main doors open one hour before the start of each ceremony and we ask that you are seated at least 10 minutes before the ceremony begins. There is bleacher style seating and the ceremonies are about two hours long. We strongly recommend bringing a small cushion for your comfort.
Parking
Free parking is available in all VIU lots. Accessible parking is available in lot Q, accessed from Fourth Street. [accessibility map to come].
Alternate viewing options
If your student wasn’t able to get you a ticket, there are other options! You can watch livestream video of the ceremonies in Building 210, Room 275. You can also watch the ceremony livestream on VIU’s YouTube channel and then join your graduate at the reception.
Photography
It’s important that you watch your graduate cross the stage from your seat. A professional photographer is capturing the moment and each graduate gets the photo free of charge. There will be opportunities for you to take candid photos with your graduate at the reception.
Reception
Following the ceremony, we invite you to enjoy light refreshments and meet your grad’s professors and classmates. The reception is in the cafeteria (Building 300). A professional photographer will be there taking professional headshots (for a cost) and graduates can take candid photos with their family and friends at the flower walls nearby.
Accessibility accommodations
Guests with significant mobility challenges can be dropped off on the south side of the gymnasium. Guests in wheelchairs or who require special seating arrangements should have their graduate email convocation@viu.ca well before the ceremony to make arrangements.
Need a place to stay?
The VIU Summer Hotel offers affordable accommodation
Our hotel features a variety of room options, including four- and two-bedroom suites and single rooms. Enjoy spectacular views, free guest parking and campus amenities!
Get a bouquet for your grad
The Commencement Group will be on site in the gymnasium on ceremony days with a selection of bouquets and other gifts. You can also order ahead of time to guarantee you get the colour or size you want.
Contact us
Email convocation@viu.ca.
Graduation requirements
For questions or concerns about your graduation requirements, please contact your Degree Advisor or Program Coordinator.